Stonemason shocked to discover 19th century time capsule hidden in block of stone – complete with newspapers from 152 YEARS ago

James Whiting stumbled upon forgotten relic with 152-year-old documents inside while sawing through a slab of stone

YASMIN JEFFERY

23 Feb 2017, 20:10

Updated: 24 Feb 2017, 9:16

A STONEMASON got a blast from the past when he happened upon a time capsule dating back to the 19th century – hidden in a block of stone.

James Whiting had been sawing through a reclaimed slab of Hamstone when he found the secret chamber which contained a glass jar packed with 152-year-old documents.

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James Whiting came across the time capsule while sawing through a slab of stoneCredit: South West News Service

The forgotten relic was full of public letters and notices and also included a weekly newspaper from Friday, June 4, 1880.

James found the treasure trove while working for Castle Reclamation in Martock, near Yeovil, Somerset, a firm which specialises in architectural salvage.

The exact source of the Hamstone, which is also known as Jurassic limestone, is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from a local builder’s yard.

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The time capsule dates back to the 19th century and contained a glass jar packed with 152-year-old documentsCredit: South West News Service

James made the discovery while cutting through a pile of old Hamstone so it could be carved into stone quoins for a doorway.

He said: "I tried to get the bottle out very carefully and looked inside.

"There was a newspaper inside. Most of it was damaged, but some parts you could still read."

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The capsule contained the June 4, 1880 edition of The Methodist, which was a weekly newspaper and reviewCredit: South West News Service

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The bottle also contained papers relating to the South Petherton circuit of the Weslyan Methodist ChurchCredit: South West News Service

The newspaper was The Methodist - a weekly bulletin and review, number 432 from Friday, June 4, 1880 and priced 1d.

The bottle also contained papers relating to the South Petherton circuit of the Weslyan Methodist Church.

"It would have been tricky to have done this at the time," James added.

"We have new tools, but back then they would have had to cut it out and carve it simply with a steel chisel. We now have saws."

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The golden coloured stone, which is quarried at Ham Hill, Somerset, is used for many buildings, including local medieval churches.

James revealed he is considering replacing the bottle and putting the stone back together just how he found it – though possibly with the addition of a current newspaper.

He said: "It would be a surprise for someone else to come across, maybe in another 150 years' time."

Bosses at Castle Reclamation say the glass jar and the artefacts inside it are now “up for grabs”.

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James revealed he is considering putting the time capsule back where he found it, but with the addition of a current newspaperCredit: South West News Service

Castle Reclamation director Adrian Wills, 59, said: "We had some old stone which we'd had for years when a job came in to cut it up.

"It's such a rare find, it's 150 years old, and it's amazing really that it just turned up like that.

"We have cut through stone and found some fossils before but this is something quite special.

"We might put it on display or approach a local history group - it's up for grabs. Whoever wants it can have it.

"It's just a shame we cannot find out where it came from. We bought the stone three to four years ago from a builder's yard.

"We were making stone quoins to go in a doorway."

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Castle Reclamation director Adrian Wills was amazed by the findCredit: South West News Service

Included in the capsule is a letter headed: "To the Members of Society, and the Congregations of Wesleyan Methodists in the South Petherton Circuit", dated, May 16, 1864 as well as a notice of the Wesleyan Methodism of the South Petherton Circuit, printed at the Chapel Printer Ilminster at the time.

The notice reads: "The plan for the Total Extinction of all the Chapel Debts of the South Petherton Circuit has so far succeeded, that if the sum of £160 more can be raised by the end of next June, we shall be entitled to a grant of £250 from the ‘General Chapel Fund’, which will render the Scheme complete.

"To accomplish so desirable an object, PUBLIC MEETINGS will be held at the following places."

It then lists dates between March 12 and March 21, 1867 for meetings in Illminster, Kingsbury, Crewkerne and Netherhay.

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